Predators hope to spark slumbering offense vs. Blues

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Predators hope to spark slumbering offense vs. Blues

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators look to
spark their slumbering offense when they host the St. Louis
Blues on Thursday.

Beginning a stretch of playing six of their next seven games at
home, the Predators have lost two in a row and four of six. In
those four setbacks, they have amassed a total of six goals.

Nashville's most recent loss was caused by several defensive
lapses from the special teams' unit. The Detroit Red Wings
scored five power-play goals in their 6-2 win over Nashville on
Wednesday and constantly tested goaltender Dan Ellis, who
finished with 35 saves.

Starting in place of rookie Pekka Rinne for the third time in 13
games, Ellis did not receive help from his team's usually strong
penalty kill unit, which ranks fourth in the NHL with an 84.9
percent mark.

The Predators are 16-11-1 at home and will need a lengthy run if
they plan on getting back in the Western Conference playoff
race. They are in 12th place with 57 points - two ahead of the
last-place Blues, Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes.

St. Louis had its two-game winning streak halted after
Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.